Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Maharashtra Recommends CBI Probe as Fadnavis Seeks Transparent Investigation
Mumbai: Nearly a month after the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the incident. The move comes amid mounting political pressure and calls for a transparent, independent inquiry into the January 28 crash near the Baramati airstrip.
The tragic accident involving senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape. Questions surrounding the aircraft’s safety, flight conditions and possible technical failures have dominated public and political discourse. With multiple agencies already examining the incident, the state government’s push for a central probe signals an effort to address concerns over credibility and thoroughness.
Speaking to reporters after the customary tea meeting and Cabinet session ahead of the Budget Session, Fadnavis said he had discussed the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and formally requested the Centre’s approval for a CBI investigation.
According to the Chief Minister, several agencies are conducting parallel inquiries. These include the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Directorate of Air Safety and the state’s Crime Investigation Department. Officials confirmed that the aircraft’s flight data recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, has been recovered and is undergoing forensic analysis.
Authorities are expected to reconstruct the final moments of the flight using the recorder’s data, which could provide clarity on whether the crash resulted from technical malfunction, human error or environmental factors.
Fadnavis stressed that the government is committed to a comprehensive and impartial probe. He said the state had also written to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking a detailed technical review that could identify systemic gaps and improve aviation safety standards across the country.
The demand for a broader investigation has gained momentum across party lines. Opposition leaders have called for transparency and independent oversight to ensure public confidence in the findings.
NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar argued that the circumstances surrounding the crash required deeper scrutiny and supported the call for an independent probe. He said that clarity on the sequence of events was essential, not only for political accountability but also for aviation safety.
Responding to criticism and speculation, Fadnavis urged political leaders and the public to allow investigative agencies to complete their work. He emphasised that doubts should be addressed through official channels rather than public conjecture.
The recommendation for a CBI inquiry reflects the political sensitivity of the incident and the need for institutional credibility. High-profile aviation accidents involving senior public figures often attract parallel investigations, but a central probe can consolidate findings and ensure coordination between agencies.
Experts say the black box analysis will be critical in determining whether the crash exposed broader regulatory or operational gaps. If systemic issues are identified, the outcome could influence future aviation safety protocols, particularly for chartered and small aircraft operations frequently used by political leaders.
The decision also carries political implications. A transparent investigation could help defuse allegations and restore public trust, while delays or conflicting findings may intensify scrutiny.
Officials indicated that further action will depend on the preliminary DGCA findings and the Centre’s decision on the state’s request for a CBI probe. As Maharashtra awaits the first official reports, the focus remains on uncovering the exact cause of the crash and ensuring that lessons from the tragedy translate into stronger aviation safeguards.